Environmentalists Seek Answers to The Link Between Hair Products and Cancer

Past studies have already determined that African American women have a higher rate of breast cancer than any other race, and that many hair products contain cancer-causing chemicals.

As a result, a number of national studies are being conducted to determine whether women of color face higher risks of breast and lung cancer from beauty product exposure.

In Harlem, the environmental justice group, WE ACT, are conducting surveys that target African, African-American and Hispanic women. The survey asks how often they visit hair salons, what treatments they get and what hair products they use at the salon and at home. It also asks if they’re aware of the risks of certain chemicals and concerned about exposing themselves and their families to them.